No one is immune to suicide and statistics suggest that every person has come across someone who is doing it tough.
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Research shows that approximately eight people die from suicide each day in Australia.
Now imagine if you had the tools to save one of these people from acting on their suicidal thoughts.
A new online training course can give families, friends and colleagues the skills and confidence to address their loved ones’ suicidal thoughts and connect them with professional care.
QPR Training, or Question, Persuade, Refer, offers a set of simple steps that could save a life, according to Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative regional manager Dr Alex Hains.
“We all have a role to play in suicide prevention,” he said.
“And while suicide rates are highest among middle aged people (41 to 55 years), there is no age group immune to suicide, including people aged 65 years plus.”
Suicide rates in the region remain higher than the state average, with around 40 to 60 suicide deaths each year over the past decade, according to figures released by the Collaborative.
Dr Hains said the internationally-renowned QPR training program had proven to be effective in saving lives, and encouraged people in the Shoalhaven to take part.
“There are some simple safe steps that friends, family and workmates can take to identify and support someone who is struggling,” he said.
“[QPR] will help you recognise warning signs for suicide.”
Local data for the Illawarra Shoalhaven shows suicide affects every social and economic group and people from all sexual orientations and cultural, religious and language backgrounds.
According to Dr Hains, this is the first time the region has had access to such localised data.
“The Collaborative is using this data to inform a whole range of evidence-based suicide prevention activities across all sectors, including health, education and the community,” he said.
As suicide has overtaken traffic accidents as a leading cause of death, with twice as many Australians dying by suicide than in car accidents, Dr Hains said it was crucial for the community to take action.
“QPR is a one-hour online training course that costs just $10 – less than most people’s lunch – that will help people recognise and confidently respond to warning signs of suicide,” he said.
Visit www.suicidepreventioncollaborative.org.au/QPR to register for the course.
If you’d like to talk to anyone about the issues raised in this article call Lifeline on 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or MensLine 1300 789 978.
Madeline Crittenden
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
